AVA HANCOCK GRACE HOSPICE
Question: My mother has cancer and the doctors have told her she has six months or less to live. He suggested we consider hospice care. I feel like that would mean we are giving up on her. What advice can you offer?
M
any people think that providing hospice care to someone means you are giving up. Actually, by bringing in hospice you are allowing the patient to be more comfortable in managing his or her symptoms. Hospice care can sometimes help a patient extend his or her life and more importantly have a better quality of life. Sometime we will see patients improve to the point that they no longer require hospice care. This is just one of the many myths we often hear concerning hospice care. Here are some other common myths and misconceptions about hospice.
Myth: Hospice is only for cancer patients. Reality: While we do have cancer patients who are on hospice care, a large number of our hospice patients have other illnesses such as congestive heart failure, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and chronic lung disease.
Myth: Patients can only receive hospice care for a limited amount of time. Reality: Medicare as well as most private insurance will cover the cost of hospice care as long as the patient continues to meet the necessary criteria. Patients may come on and off hospice care, and can re-enroll in hospice care as needed.
or less to live. Many of the patients served through hospice continue to lead productive and rewarding lives. Together, the patient, family, and physician determine when hospice services should begin. For more information about Grace Hospice, please call us at 918744-7223 or visit www.gracehospice.com
AVA HANCOCK, , MS, LCSW
Executive Director, Grace Hospice Ava is Executive Director of Grace Hospice of Oklahoma. Grace Hospice is the largest independent hospice in Northeastern Oklahoma. Ava has been with Grace Hospice for more than 10 years and was named Executive Director in 2010 where she leads a staff of more than 80 employees. Ava received a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work and Health Care from the University of Houston. She’s a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a trained Executive Leader for hospice through the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). She is also a volunteer and board member of the Case Management Society of America. Ava also volunteers with the P.E.O. Sisterhood as the State Educational Loan Fund Chairman for Oklahoma, assisting women in furthering their educational goals. Ava’s an avid supporter of animal rescue and is the Foster Coordinator and a board member of Great Plains Mastiff Rescue.
Myth: Hospice care is expensive. Reality: Most people who use hospice are over 65 and are entitled to the Medicare Hospice Benefit. This benefit covers virtually all hospice services and requires little, if any, out-of-pocket costs. This means that there are no financial burdens incurred by the family.
Myth: To be eligible for hospice care, a patient must already be bedridden. Reality: The requirement for hospice is a diagnosis of six months
Because every moment counts...
Grace Hospice helps you embrace every moment. We provide expert medical care and counseling services to our patients including: � Nursing services 24 hours/7 days a week � Medications related to the terminal illness � Pain and symptom management � Emotional, spiritual and bereavement counseling � Family support services for friends and family Grace Hospice serves all of Northeastern Oklahoma. Please call 918-744-7223 to learn how we can help you and your family.
Phone (918) 744-7223 • Toll Free (800) 659-0307 www.gracehospice.com Not affiliated with Grace Living Centers.
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